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In peak algae season all over the country, it is not uncommon for bodies of water to have at least a little bit of algae on them. High temperatures are perfect growing weather for algae. Algae is a normal part of a water ecosystem, but when algae overgrows rapidly, it can become dangerous. Toxic algae can occur in all 50 states.

What is toxic algae?

When algae experiences an overgrowth, this is called an algae bloom. Some large algae blooms contain toxins that are harmful to humans. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are the harmful type of algae blooms. Algae blooms can occur in salt and fresh water and can be toxic to humans and animals alike. These blooms happen in slow moving water, in high-sunlight areas, and in waters with excess nutrients that algae like to feed off of (nitrogen and phosphorus).

An algae bloom can look like paint on the water or like scum. These can vary in color, from green, red, blue and brown. It will most often smell foul as well.

Harmful effects of toxic algae:

Animals and humans can experience negative side effects of toxic algae exposure. Irritation or rashes can happen, along with vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, and more. In pets that have been exposed, lethargy, difficulty breathing, vomiting may occur. If symptoms are left untreated, severe illness or even death may occur. If you or a pet is exposed to toxic algae, wash off and monitor for signs of exposure for the following few hours. Seek medical attention if symptoms are occurring.

If you see toxic algae, report it to your local authorities and stay away from the water. Don’t allow kids or pets in the water.

How to prevent and treat growth:

Since large algae blooms happen due to conditions such as ample sunlight, excess nutrients, and stagnant water, there are a few things you should consider doing to prevent prime algae overgrowth.

1.Treat existing algae with an algaecide, such as Mizzen® algaecide from Lake Restoration.

2.Use a nutrient reducer, such as SparKlear® or PhosControl® to rid your water of excess nutrients that aid in rapid algae growth. Make sure grass clippings and leaves aren’t getting into your water (this creates more excess nutrients in your pond).

3.Use an aerating fountain, like the Vitaflume® floating fountain from Lake Restoration. The fountain will help keep water moving and gas exchanged between the water and the air.

While algae growth is common this time of year and is a normal part of a healthy pond, overgrowth of algae can be dangerous. Take precautions and prevent algae from taking over your pond with the help of products from Lake Restoration! Shop all pond weed and algae products online at LakeRestoration.com. FREE SHIPPING* on all orders!

As the temperatures rise around the country this time of year, you may find that your pond is looking more green than usual. This is because warm temperatures, along with organic matter and excess nutrients in the water can create the perfect environment for very rapid algae growth.

To keep a clear pond, especially at this point in the season, you need to be proactive about making sure you are taking the right steps to keep algae away. Keeping your pond clear of algae is similar to weeding your garden; you need to keep up with it, or it will get out of control. We recommend treating every 3-4 weeks to keep your pond looking great!

Take note of some helpful tips and product recommendations to keep up with your pond.

1.Using an algaecide regularly

Using an algaecide, like our copper-based Mizzen® algaecide, will be a key factor in eliminating algae once it is grown underneath or on top of your pond. Mizzen® is sprayed over the algae or can be applied with the TORMADA® remote controlled application boat. Mizzen® can help clear up your pond in as little as 7-14 days, with full results seen in a month. Algae can re-grow rapidly, even within a few days, so make sure you have enough Mizzen® on hand for a second treatment or spot treating throughout the season. One gallon of Mizzen will cover 20,000 square feet, and is $34.95. Mizzen® is also available in smaller sizes or gallon packs.

2.Use a nutrient reducer as part of your treatment plan

Nutrient reducers, such as SparKlear® and PhosControl® can reduce the organic matter in your pond that weeds and algae feed off of. When used in conjunction with an algaecide, you will be reducing existing algae and making it harder for it to regrow. SparKlear® contains bacteria and enzymes that eat away at the nutrients in your pond, and it can help improve your pond’s water clarity. PhosControl® contains aluminum sulfate that binds with phosphorus (which algae feed off of) making the phosphorus unavailable for the algae. Monthly treatments with these products is recommended.

3.Consider aeration to help keep water clear

Aerators or aerating fountains work to keep water moving and will help exchange gases trapped in the water that are aiding in algae growth. Lake Restoration offers Vitaflume® floating aerating fountains in 3 different sizes and can move 7,000-10,000 gallons of water per hour. Fountains keep water moving so that algae mats cannot form like they would in more stagnant waters. Aerating fountains help your pond “breathe,” and they also look great as a centerpiece. Vitaflume® starts at $975 and offers optional spray patterns and lighting so you can customize the look of your centerpiece.

4.If you also have weeds, we recommend using the following products for an overall healthy pond:

If you haven’t heard the news, ticks have been a major problem this year. Experts are saying the increase in tick population is due to the larger population of white footed mice that carry Lyme disease. The warmer weather and earlier heat up has helped mosquitoes breed and thrive this year as well.

If you live in a wooded area or are near a water source, you probably are well-aware of these pest issues. So how can you stop these pest in their tracks and maintain an enjoyable yard, free of pests?

Lake Restoration is now carrying a full line of pest control products, including products for use on ticks, adult mosquitoes, and mosquito larvae.

Most of the general pest control products can be sprayed indoors and outdoors on a variety of surfaces, including: lawn, turf, shrubs, greenhouses, kennels, parks, restaurants, warehouses, etc. These products are labeled for many pests, including: ticks, spiders, bed bugs, ants, mites, crickets, bees, wasps, cockroaches, etc. (see labels for full list of surface uses and pests controlled).

Bifen IT, Demon Max, Cynoff EC, Talstar, and LambdaStar CS are all labeled to control ticks. These products can be sprayed on a variety of surfaces (check label restrictions on uses indoors and outdoors).

· Do not spot treat areas for ticks, treat whole area where present.

· Use higher rates of application for areas with heavy leaf litter.

· Retreat during high-pest season times when necessary.

· Continue treatments during season only if signs of tick activity still exist.

Deer Ticks: treat in late fall and/or early spring to low-lying vegetation

American Dog Ticks: Treat as needed along pathways and roadways, as needed, from mid-spring to early fall.

Other Pests

Excluding Microbe-Lift, all of our other pest products are labelled for many different types of pest and insects. See the individual product labels for complete lists of pest controlled and the surfaces and areas that these products can be used in.

Ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests can be a bother. Not only are they annoying, they can carry deadly diseases as well. Lake Restoration pest products will help keep your yard and structures free of pests, making your spaces safe and enjoyable. Visit LakeRestoration.com to shop and learn more about our pest control line.

Have you ever looked at your pond or water feature and noticed that it looks a little… lifeless? You may even notice a foul smell coming from your pond. You are treating for weeds and algae, but you’re wondering if there is something else you can use to keep your pond healthy.

Poor pond health can be caused by decaying leaves, excess nutrients, and lack of movement in the water. Having little movement in your pond can be an issue if you have fish because of the lack of oxygen in still waters. A pond with no movement can become a less-than-ideal environment for fish and a perfect environment for weed and algae growth.

A fountain, like the Vitaflume® Floating Fountain from Lake Restoration, is a great way to keep the water moving in your pond or water feature. It can help improve the health of your pond in many ways. They also look beautiful! Here are some ways your pond could benefit from a fountain.

1. Movement in your pond can help with gas exchange

When you exchange water from in the pond to the air, you are increasing oxygen content in the water and reducing gas buildup. This can improve the smell of your pond. Oxygen will be absorbed by the water exposed to the air, and the gasses that have been trapped in the water will be released. This is letting your pond “breathe” and is a great benefit for the life of your pond.

2. Fish will have more oxygen

As the weather and water warms up, there is less oxygen in the pond than there is during colder weather. Making sure there is enough oxygen in the pond during the warm weather months will ensure your fish won’t suffocate.

3. Fountains will help improve water clarity

Keeping movement in your pond will prevent surface scum from forming. Movement from the fountain will continuously break up algae on the surface, preventing growth. Also, ponds with low oxygen may have excessive carbon dioxide levels, which provides perfect growing conditions for algae. Keeping water flow and movement will reduce nutrient levels, making it harder for algae to grow.

4. Fountains will create a beautiful centerpiece for your waters

Fountains are a great way to add interest and beauty to your pond or water feature. If you are looking to add something more to your pond landscapes, a fountain is the perfect cherry on top for any waters. The Vitaflume® Fountain from Lake Restoration has a pump housing and filter that is made of high-quality stainless steel for durability, ensuring your fountain will last for years to come. Vitaflume® features an impeller for high volume, and is direct from the manufacturer, Lake Restoration, saving you money.

Fountains can add beauty and help improve the health of your pond. Vitaflume fountains impel 5,000 more gallons per hour than other leading brands. With optional lighting and spray patterns to choose from, you can customize the perfect fountain for your water.

Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to start gearing up to make sure your pond stays weed and algae free all season long! Pesky weeds and algae can make your pond unsightly, and they can take the fun out of having a water feature as part of your landscape.

Lake Restoration has been in the lake and pond weed services industry for 40 years. They offer proven solutions that will get rid of weeds and algae, making your pond look beautiful all year round.

Here are some common weed and algae types that may pop up in your pond, along with tips and products to help you combat weeds all summer. All of our liquid products can be applied to your pond with ease using the TORMADA® application boat. The TORMADA® is fun to drive and will take the chore out of treating your pond.

Common Floating Weeds

Floating weeds are weeds that float on top of the surface of water. A common floating weed is duckweed. Duckweed floats on the surface of the water and creates a film over the water. Algae will also create “scum-like” mats on the surface of the water.

SOLUTIONS: What is the solution to floating weeds like duckweed and aglae? Lake Restoration’s Pond Products will help you rid your pond of these types of weeds, as well as the algae that grows shows up on the surface. Use Dibrox® herbicide to get rid of the weeds. Dibrox® is quickly absorbed by weeds and is safe for fish and animals. Our copper-based Mizzen® algaecide will rid your pond of algae.

Common Submerged Weeds

Submerged weeds are weeds that grown completely under the water’s surface. There are many different types of these plants, but the following are some commonly seen examples:

SOLUTIONS: Just like with floating weeds, submerged weeds can be easily controlled using Dibrox® herbicide. Mizzen® algaecide will help you rid your pond of algae as well.

Other Advice for Floating and Submerged Weeds: Both floating and submerged weeds and algae can be controlled using Dibrox® herbicide and Mizzen® algaecide. Some other helpful products for pond care include SparKlear® nutrient reducer and Sapphire Bay® pond dye. SparKlear® comes in liquid or pellet form and is great for eliminating organic material at the bottom of your pond and reducing nutrients that cause algae growth. Sapphire Bay blue pond dye will help give your pond a beautiful blue color.

Emergent Plants

Emergent plants are plants that grow above water or on your shoreline. These include cattails, water lilies, grass, weeds, poison ivy, and woody brush in and around ponds and lakes.

SOLUTIONS: To control emergent plants, use Glyphosate 5.4 to control problem areas. It is also recommended to use a surfactant to help Glyphosate spread. This treatment kills plants at the roots, and there are no restrictions for swimming and fishing. A backpack sprayer is advised for easy application of these products.

Weeds and algae are no fun to deal with in the summer. That’s why Lake Restoration provides comprehensive options for eliminating weeds and algae so you can enjoy your water. To learn more about products, application methods, to request a catalog, or to order, visit LakeResotoration.com. Take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING offer in celebration of 40 years in service!

Watermeal is a challenge to control, and can easily double in area in days. It is the single smallest plant worldwide, making it difficult for the plant to uptake enough herbicide to be effective. It has a thick cuticle on both sides of the plant and shows no visible roots. It looks like a green cornmeal or grits and can quickly infest a pond.

An effective means of ridding your pond of pesky watermeal is to use our PONDRestore® Watermeal kit. This complete kit includes: Clipper Herbicide, Mizzen® Algaecide, Nutrient Reducer SparKlear® and also Sapphire Bay® Blue Pond Dye. You can easily control floating weeds or submerged weeds, reduce the phosphorus and other nutrients and eliminate algae.

Clipper delivers a rapid control of floating and submerged weeds such as watermeal, duck weed, water milfoil and pond weeds. It dissipates quickly from the water column giving minimal restrictions for irrigation. It is easy to use and you will see great results within 7-14 days! Clipper is also available in one pound or 5 pound containers.

Mizzen® Algaecide easily controls filamentous algae and effectively manages planktonic algae. It is a liquid, chelated copper based algaecide that is concentrated. It is easily applied and has zero restrictions for swimming, fishing and irrigation.

The PONDRestore® Watermeal kit also includes a nutrient reducer and a pond dye. SparKlear® reduces the nutrients that enable weed and algae growth. Using a pond dye not only adds a natural looking color to your pond, small lake or water feature, but it will also help block out specific light rays that will deter weed and algae growth.

Our PONDRestore® Watermeal kits are available in two convenient sizes starting at $295. Get the best option for controlling Watermeal and be on your way to a beautiful, clear and healthy pond!

With the warm summer temperatures rising, we are seeing an increase in algae blooms this summer. You can keep your pond’s algae and scum levels under control by using an algaecide and nutrient reducers.

During the summer months, phosphorus levels in ponds often spike due to the use of fertilizers. High levels of phosphorus will promote excessive weed growth and algae blooms. Phosphorus is the main source of food for algae, and algae cannot survive without it. We recommend using PhosControl®, a granular product used for reducing phosphorus levels and clarifying the water, to help deter the growth of algae. PhosControl® bonds with the phosphorus, making it unavailable to aquatic plants and algae. The use of PhosControl® is very important because each phone of phosphorus will product 500 pounds of aquatic plant/algae growth.

Any organic material in your pond will decay over time and deplete the amount of oxygen in the water. SparKlear®, a nutrient reducer, is the biological control for ponds and small lakes. The SparKlear® pellets contain bacteria, enzymes and trace minerals to promote the health of your pond by reducing the nutrients available for weed and algae growth. If the organic matter is left untreated, this material can release harmful gasses such as CO2 while decaying. It is important to reduce the build-up and keep the nutrient levels under control.

Promoting the overall health of your pond and reducing the amount of nutrients in your pond will help keep the algae blooms away. “Customers can extend the beauty of their pond by killing the algae and treating the excess nutrient levels,” says Mary Jo Furman, Retail Sales Supervisor at Lake Restoration. “We want our customers to be able to enjoy looking at their pond or water feature and not see the scum floating on the top.”

As algal blooms appear, we recommend using a liquid algaecide that can easily be mixed with water and sprayed over the surface of the pond. You can even spot treat algae mats as needed. We offer a variety of sizes in their Mizzen® Algaecide. Mizzen® starts at $14.75 for 2,500 square feet of coverage and scales up to a gallon for $31.95 covering approximately a half of an acre. Gallons packs are available at a discount.

You can keep your pond or water feature looking great all year long. Our team of pond experts work all year round to help you create a seasonal treatment program to sustain the beauty of health of your pond.

Blue –green algae is blooming in ponds and lakes across the country. Ponds and beaches are closing throughout the country due to toxic algae.

The algae season is in full bloom and some of it can even be deadly. With the summer temperatures rising, the algae blooms are growing.

Algae is commonly referred to as Seaweed, Pond Scum, or Pond Moss and can be found in almost any habitat on earth as long as moisture is there at some time, even if that time is very short. Depending on the algae, water can often become unsuitable for fish, swimming, and other animals. There are many groups of algae, but it is mostly divided into two different physical categories: Filamentous Algae and Planktonic Algae.

Filamentous algae may seem like long stringy hairs, cotton-like in appearance. Filamentous algae can form thick, greenish looking mats on the water’s surface. Planktonic algae can appear as a paint-like scum on top of the water’s surface. The water column turns green, blue-green, or variations throughout and is often described as “pea soup.”

“With all of the rain that we have been receiving here in MN, the nutrient levels in ponds and lakes are climbing due to the run off of chemicals and fertilizers. We are seeing a lot of algal blooms this summer,” says Chad Hadler, Service Operations Manager at Lake Restoration. “If you are going to be in the water, be on the look-out for blue-green algal blooms.”

Cyanobacteria, also known as Blue-Green Algae, which contain harmful bacteria, can be dangerous to pets and humans. The scum can often smell like sewage or manure. Not all blue-green algae is toxic. We recommend using Mizzen® algaecide to combat algae blooms to keep scum levels under control and prevent toxic algae from forming. If you or your pets have come in contact with water that has an algae bloom, we recommend thoroughly washing with clean water and then contacting your health care provider if you begin to experience any symptoms.

Mizzen® is a chelated copper based algaecide and may be used in many types of water bodies, including ponds, lakes or water features. It is manufactured by Lake Restoration and is available in four convenient sizes. The treatment of 2,500 square feet of surface area costs $14.75, 5,000 square feet $18.95, 10,000 square feet $27.00 and approximately half an acre $31.95. For ongoing algae management or for larger bodies of water, Mizzen® is available at a special gallon rate.

We are introducing new pricing for our Mizzen® Algaecide and Sapphire Bay® Blue Pond Dye. The new pricing will allow home and business owners to keep ahead of the scum levels and add a pleasing blue color to their pond, lake or water feature while getting a better value.

A Gallon of Mizzen® covers approximately half an acre for $31.00. It is also available with special bulk pricing as low as $25.95 per gallon. Mizzen® is a copper based algaecide that attacks filamentous and planktonic algae on contact. The algae will die within hours of being treated. With summer fast approaching, algal blooms can occur as frequently as every 10-14 days. By keeping a copper based algaecide on hand, you will be able to keep your scum levels under control and help prevent toxic algae from forming.

Sapphire Bay® Blue Pond Dye will add a natural looking color to your ponds or fountain and may be applied monthly for year-long beauty. Each gallon covers one acre and is available with special gallon pricing for $21.00 each gallon. Aquatic dyes are non-toxic and may be used in ponds that are used for swimming or that contain fish. Application is as easy as pouring the dye into the water. Within a few hours, the dye will quickly spread throughout the pond, lake, or water feature.

“We are happy to offer Mizzen® and Sapphire Bay® in a variety of sizes while offering a special gallon rate,” says Mary Jo Furman, Retail Sales Supervisor at Lake Restoration. “We want consumers to be able to keep their ponds beautiful all season long with minimal effort.” For those that may have a small backyard pond or water feature, Mizzen® and Sapphire Bay® are available in pints, quarts and half gallon sizes. Mizzen® and Sapphire Bay® are both manufactured by Lake Restoration, Inc. in Rogers, MN.

In addition to the bulk pricing, home owners can work with our Lake Restoration experts to custom a complete pond kit that will enhance the overall health and appearance of your pond. Both Mizzen® algaecide and Sapphire Bay®blue pond dye are included in the PONDRestore® kits, a complete pond kit that controls floating and submerged weeds, eliminates algae, reduces phosphorus and restores your pond’s health.

Do you have a weed problem around your dock but don’t want to (or can’t) use chemicals? We have the perfect solution for you! The LakeMaid is the ultimate automatic weed removal system. It consists of a long floating arm propelled by a submerged pump that drags weed-removing rakes across the lake bottom. This repetitive sweeping action eliminates the lake weeds quickly and safely. More...